Our body language speaks volumes. The following five tips will
help you fine tune your body’s broadcast system.

1.There is no "off switch." Stature is
preparation for everything we do. Always stand in
stature. Ask yourself what it might be like to embody
yourself in stature. When you do so, the first discovery is
that the body inhales. Your core muscles pull up and your chest
expands.

This is not simply standing up straight or at attention -- that
is presentational and we tense. It is not only a physical
posture, but a state of mind. In other words, live in
stature, don’t simply "present" in stature -- walking down
the hallway, a conference call, meetings -- formal or informal --
stature frames who you are, not simply what you do.

2. Release your tension. In front of a mirror,
release your tongue and jaw and neck and shoulder tension by
placing two fingertips in your mouth under your tongue and gently
release. Your tongue should appear relaxed, not concave or
convex, simply flaccid (the feeling of drooling). Place your
other hand right under your lip line, forming a V between
your thumb and index finger and gently pull your jaw down a half
to one inch.

While observing yourself, you will likely see that your tongue
pulls back, your head dips down and your neck and shoulders are
tense. As you consistently do this exercise, you will not
only feel more relaxed and confident, you will appear that way as
well.

3. Practice maintaining eye contact. Like our
voice, our eyes convey everything. Eye contact connects us
literally and figuratively with one another. It is a
critical technique that will help you break unconscious behaviors
that send the wrong signs to your audience
-- namely anxious, insecure, untrustworthy.

Making eye contact changes the sound of your voice -- you will
notice a lower pitch, enhanced resonance and vocal energy -- it
helps you to embody integrity, confidence and authority.

4. Make gestures purposeful. Gestures help you
effectively tell the story or detract from what you are saying.
In any presentation, all gestures must be purposeful, not random,
unconscious or ever repetitive. Also, the way you stand in
front of your audience matters.

Again, practice in front of the mirror, hold your hands in front
of you just below your belt line, clasping one hand in the other
and notice what you look like. For your next practice, first
engage stature and this time, lace your fingers together. Notice
how you immediately appear more centered -- more grounded. This
little hand adjustment creates a big visual difference.

5. Remember the handshake. Your handshake is
often the first connection you make with someone. It may appear
to be a perfunctory daily gesture, but it is not -- it is so much
more. A handshake can be the equalizer. It conveys sincerity and
warmth and should be firm but not aggressive. We make no
exception for age, gender or status. Practice shaking hands with
a friend or colleague while maintaining eye contact. Never
rush.

As you progress on your Vocal Awareness journey, you will notice
that each step is designed to build communication mastery. Take
your time and always practice conscientiously. The routine is
never routine. You are learning new skills that will help
you evolve into the leader you are capable of being.